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Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Kind-hearted Fulham star Alex Iwobi wants to keep charity work off the pitch as he opens up on struggles
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GENEROUS Alex Iowbi wants to keep his charity work strictly OFF the pitch. Fulham made a habit of taking points off the big boys last season but giving too many against the teams they felt they should beat. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Alex Iwobi and his Project 17 charity hosted their P17 Cup on Sunday Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Fulham will want to cut out giving away too many easy points next season Credit: Reuters League doubles over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were supplemented by beating Chelsea and taking four points off champions Liverpool. But painful defeats to Wolves, West Ham, Everton and two against struggling Manchester United denied the Cottagers a spot in Europe. So rather than handing out freebies to their Prem rivals, Iwobi is determined to keep supporting those less fortunate with his Project 17 charity. Set up in 2021, Iwobi was keen to use his public profile and platform to make a positive impact in society. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL GAMECHANGER Premier League opening day fixture moved as different sport takes priority Ventures have included a homeless shelter and setting up a shop of free food at Christmas. And this weekend was the latest P17 Cup - his very own football tournament. After previous editions in Dagenham and Enfield, this year's event was in Bromley in association with ACLT, a life-saving charity working to increase the number of black blood, stem cell and organ donors. Representation in blood donation is urgent. Only two per cent of donors are black, yet conditions like sickle cell disease primarily affect black communities. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Iwobi, 29, told SunSport: 'We're trying to raise awareness for people that are suffering with sickle cell and educate others. 'We started Project 17 after Covid lockdown when my secondary school boys said I should show I'm human and there's more to me than just football. Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan' 'Obviously, I like to do the music, I like to do fashion and I also like to also give back to charities. 'It's not just the good, but also the bad stuff as well. I want people to know that not only that I go through the great times, but there's also tough times in my life. 'For example, everyone suffers with mental illness or mental struggles. I do have my struggles as well.' Iwobi says honest and vulnerable conversations about mental health take place in the 'brotherhood' that is the Fulham dressing room. But there have also been frank conversations about results, especially after slipping up against teams Marco Silva's men expected to beat last season. WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. The West Londoners paid the price last season by finishing 11th. Now after seeing Crystal Palace lift their first major trophy and qualify for Europe, Fulham want to do the same. Iwobi added: 'Of course. We were so close last season to achieving Europe. 'We always seem to do well against the so-called bigger teams. I don't know if we just mentally get psyched up and prepared to play. 'They are a bit more open in the sense that they all want to attack, attack, attack. They may leave a few more gaps for us to exploit. 'But against the least-favoured teams, the teams we should be favoured to win, we seem to struggle a bit more, they defend patiently. 'We're trying to work on it in training. Hopefully, next season, we'll find ways to break down teams that like to defend with 11 men behind the ball and produce a lot more consistent results.' 9 The Fulham star is keen to give back to the community Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi described the Craven Cottage changing room as a 'brotherhood' Credit: Getty 9 Iwobi scored in the famous win over Liverpool Credit: Getty 9 The P17 Cup was in association with ACLT raising awareness for sickle cell disease Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi launched his charity in 2021 Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 The tournament, this time in Bromley, has expanded each year Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kind-hearted Fulham star Alex Iwobi wants to keep charity work off the pitch as he opens up on struggles
GENEROUS Alex Iowbi wants to keep his charity work strictly OFF the pitch. Fulham made a habit of taking points off the big boys last season but giving too many against the teams they felt they should beat. 9 Alex Iwobi and his Project 17 charity hosted their P17 Cup on Sunday Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Fulham will want to cut out giving away too many easy points next season Credit: Reuters League doubles over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were supplemented by beating Chelsea and But painful defeats to Wolves, West Ham, Everton and two against struggling Manchester United denied the So rather than handing out freebies to their Prem rivals, Iwobi is determined to keep supporting those less fortunate with his Set up in 2021, Iwobi was keen to use his public profile and platform to make a positive impact in society. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL Ventures have included a homeless shelter and setting up a shop of free food at Christmas. And this weekend was the latest P17 Cup - his very own football tournament. After previous editions in Dagenham and Enfield, this year's event was in Bromley in association with ACLT, a life-saving charity working to increase the number of black blood, stem cell and organ donors. Representation in blood donation is urgent. Only two per cent of donors are black, yet conditions like sickle cell disease primarily affect black communities. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Iwobi, 29, told SunSport: 'We're trying to raise awareness for people that are suffering with sickle cell and educate others. 'We started Project 17 after Covid lockdown when my secondary school boys said I should show I'm human and there's more to me than just football. Ex-Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi releases music video for his second single What's Luv as fans call it 'great retirement plan' 'Obviously, I like to do the music, I like to do fashion and I also like to also give back to charities. 'It's not just the good, but also the bad stuff as well. I want people to know that not only that I go through the great times, but there's also tough times in my life. 'For example, everyone suffers with mental illness or mental struggles. I do have my struggles as well.' Iwobi says honest and vulnerable conversations about mental health take place in the But there have also been frank conversations about results, especially after slipping up against teams Marco Silva's men expected to beat last season. WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. The West Londoners paid the price last season by finishing 11th. Now after seeing Iwobi added: 'Of course. We were so close last season to achieving Europe. 'We always seem to do well against the so-called bigger teams. I don't know if we just mentally get psyched up and prepared to play. 'They are a bit more open in the sense that they all want to attack, attack, attack. They may leave a few more gaps for us to exploit. 'But against the least-favoured teams, the teams we should be favoured to win, we seem to struggle a bit more, they defend patiently. 'We're trying to work on it in training. Hopefully, next season, we'll find ways to break down teams that like to defend with 11 men behind the ball and produce a lot more consistent results.' 9 The Fulham star is keen to give back to the community Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi described the Craven Cottage changing room as a 'brotherhood' Credit: Getty 9 Iwobi scored in the famous win over Liverpool Credit: Getty 9 The P17 Cup was in association with ACLT raising awareness for sickle cell disease Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 Iwobi launched his charity in 2021 Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 The tournament, this time in Bromley, has expanded each year Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17 9 The Fulham star has used his public profile for good - but admits he has had times of struggle Credit: Max Cheshire / Project 17
Metro
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal told to sign Manchester United transfer target instead of Chelsea flop
Mikel Arteta has been told to bring a former Arsenal star back to the club rather than signing Chelsea flop Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal are close to signing Kepa, once the most expensive goalkeeper in the world, for just £5m. Chelsea spent a record-breaking £72m to sign Kepa from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 but the Spain international struggled at Stamford Bridge. Kepa spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and is now set to join Arsenal as Arteta's No. 2 behind David Raya. Neto performed that role for the Gunners last season but he has returned to Bournemouth following the end of his loan spell. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Ex-Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has questioned the club's move for Kepa, however, and believes Arteta should instead welcome Emiliano Martinez back to the club. Arsenal sold Martinez to Aston Villa in 2020 and have watched the Argentine become one of the best goalkeepers on the planet and a World Cup winner. The 32-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer with Manchester United interested in a deal. But Petit wants Arsenal to make a move for Martinez and says he would bring an 'important mentality' to a Gunners squad in desperate need of a trophy next season. 'Since Kepa Arrizabalaga's move to Chelsea, it has been a nightmare for him,' Petit told talksportBET. 'He went to Real Madrid and it didn't go well, he went to Bournemouth and wasn't the first choice to begin with but did end up doing quite well. 'For Bournemouth is one thing, but for the biggest clubs in the world you have to have the right mentality, especially as a goalkeeper. 'I think Arsenal need a goalkeeper who can, not replace David Raya because he has done well, but can give them another option. 'If I was Arsenal I'd go for Emiliano Martinez, look at what he has done with Argentina and Aston Villa. 'I didn't like his behaviour when he played against PSG, but he has a winning mentality and that would be important for Arsenal. 'He has that nastiness that is important in winning teams, it inspires other players. 'Arsenal are all Mr Nice Guys at the moment, 25 years ago when we were winning trophies there were some nasty boys in there, but had that winning mentality. Arsenal need that.' While Arsenal chase Kepa, ex-Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has questioned why the Blues would sanction the transfer. 'I'm confused. I don't understand,' Wright-Phillips told Betway when asked abut Kepa's imminent move to the Emirates Stadium. Kepa (Atletico Bilbao to Chelsea), £72m Alisson (Roma to Liverpool, £67m Gianluigi Buffon (Parma to Juventus), £50m Andre Onana (Inter Milan to Manchester United), £47m Ederson (Benfica to Manchester City), £35m 'It's like nobody's been watching Kepa this season. He's been unbelievable. He is part of the reason why Bournemouth finished where they finished. 'The defence was outstanding, but Kepa was unbelievable, as well, I thought. 'I assumed while the season was going on that Chelsea didn't need to buy a goalkeeper because Kepa was going back anyway, but that isn't to be the case. 'You can have as good a goalkeeper as you want, but if you're still going to make the same mistakes in defence, your goalkeeper is still going to concede. More Trending 'That's just the fact of the matter. [Liverpool goalkeeper] Alisson pulls off amazing saves when he's needed. Half the time he has to pull off a save, it's not forced errors. 'So if Chelsea can get their defence like that, where they're not making him make unnecessary saves he shouldn't have to make, then I think Kepa is your man to keep. You don't need to forage around. 'Most managers now are looking for goalkeepers that are good with their feet. I think Kepa's alright with his feet, but he might not be at the level they want him to be. 'But for me, it's a real strange one.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Baller League Legends ratings: John Arne Riise and Balotelli shine but Arsenal cult hero gets a 1/10
MOUSSA DEMBELE is perhaps best known for being the toughest opponent your favourite player has ever faced - or the player who was the best any ex-Spurs star has ever seen. So when he was announced to be playing at the O2 Arena alongside 6 Mario Ballotelli was a star performer on and off the pitch Credit: Getty 6 Ex-Arsenal and Prem-winning keeper Jens Lehmann had a tough evening Credit: Getty 6 Imagine the combined silverware cupboard of these Ballers Legends! Credit: Getty The former pros lined up against KSI, Chunkz, George Clarkey and more in what was a spectacular Legends vs Influencers match decided by Niko Omilana missing a crucial penalty. SunSport's LLOYD CANFIELD rated the legendary players performances… JENS LEHMANN - 1 Unfortunately age catches up with all of us, and it seems to have done so with once-invincible goalkeeper. Failed to stop a number of shots that he got a hand to, but the 55-year-old was simply too slow to react to most of them - though one admittedly was a screamer from EmanSV2. RED MORE IN FOOTBALL PASCAL CHIMBONDA - 5 Didn't blow any minds with his performance, but wasn't really poor either. Pretty standard showing from the 6 John Arne Riise still has the power to impress Credit: Getty BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK JOHN ARNE RIISE - 10 Wow! He's still got that left foot rocket in his locker, let's just say that. Most read in Sport Baller League team Sharky erupt in celebration as the reach the final 4 Hit the crossbar with a thunderbolt from range which alerted the keeper, before crashing home a screamer in the dying moments to level the scoring and send the game to penalties. Textbook Riise - Liverpool can save themselves a pretty penny on signing LUKE CHAMBERS - 5 Much the same as Pascal Chimbonda, Chambers didn't really stand out what so ever and was largely overshadowed by the bigger names on the pitch. Mostly forgettable. JAY-JAY OKOCHA - 7 Scored a classy header that was unfortunately ruled out by the referee, it was the same Okocha we saw against A legend of the game who still gave it his all and tried to entertain the crowd with a few silky touches and delicate passes. Didn't have the pace or engine he once possessed, but still impressed overall. MOUSSA DEMBELE - 9 The man of the moment looked like he still had it, running the show in the middle of the park for his time. You could still see echoes of the player he once was, impossible to get the ball away from and such a powerful presence with the ball at his feet. Dominated for large parts of the game and still had the silky feet and ability to pick a pass that he always had. 6 Hollywood A-lister Will Smith was a big presence on the sidelines Credit: Getty RAVEL MORRISON - 5 The ex- Good on the ball and came close with a header that was flicked towards goal. Didn't blow anyone's socks off, but it was a solid performance from the former Red Devil. LEE TRUNDLE - 4 The highlight of his showing was sending KSI tumbling to the floor after a collision, but it must be said he gave it his all pulling off some of his trademark skills. The Football League cult hero was an entertaining watch, but didn't seem to have the end product or cutting edge he needed to get the better of the Influencer defenders all that often. MARIO BALOTELLI - 8 The man that most were excited to see, it was just a pleasure to see Super Mario back on the pitch with a ball at his feet. The ex- There was no trademark celebration or boasting from a man who has clearly matured since his playing days - but a showing more reminiscent of a classy Italian midfielder. Stuck around and took pictures with fans and players alike, which was lovely to see. 6 Mario Balotelli is still only 34 and played for Genoa in 2024-225 Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Dramatic moment drug dealer leads cops on high-speed chase through posh estate – before officers smash his windows in
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the dramatic moment a drug dealer raced ahead of cops in a high-speed chase before being cornered by officers. Connor Darwent, 27, led police on a terrifying five-mile pursuit after speeding away from officers and making his way across a historic country estate. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The high-speed chase took officers through an historic manor Credit: SWNS 4 Connor Darwent, 27, was arrested after a five-mile police chase Credit: SWNS 4 The arrest is part of a county-wide crackdown on drugs in Lincolnshire Credit: SWNS The drug dealer had been stopped while driving on the A46 towards Lincoln in his powerful BMW 1 Series by cops as he was wanted on suspicion of supplying class A drugs. Police body camera footage shows the dramatic moment Darwent sped away from the police block, prompting other cops to chase after him. Despite having his tyres shredded by a police stinger, Darwent reached blistering speeds racing his BMW down the main road, in hot pursuit of officers. After breaking off from the tarmac, the drug dealer took the chase onto the historic grounds of the 17th century manor Doddington Hall. He can be seen careering down a dirt track, with cops appearing to ask if they could engage in "tactical content" before Darwent returned to the main road. Reaching the end of the rugged path, Darwent swings a hard right turn - taking him and officers into a large field of crops. Here, however, the advantage turned to the police, as the chasing officers managed to ram and immobilise the drug dealer's car, bringing them to a screeching halt. Then, the two officers can be seen quickly jumping out of their vehicles to arrest Darwent and the other male in his vehicle. They can be seen smashing in the windows of the drug dealer's car, forcing them to show their hands as backup arrives. The two officers then drag Darwent and the other man out onto the ground to be arrested. Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK Following the incredible police chase on May 24, 2022, Darwent admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs and dangerous driving. He was jailed for two-and-a-half years on Thursday, June 5. Darwent was a courier who made regular journeys between Coventry and Skegness to reload the lucrative "Abs line". Police say the drug line was worth up to £252,000 to the gang, who supplied around 5.8kg of cocaine to dealers and users. Three other members of the group were also sentenced after admitting conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Kirsty Reilly, 32, drove drugs from Coventry to Skegness and was jailed for three years. Sarah Makey, 47, received a 21-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work. Her husband Nathan, 48, dealt drugs and sent out marketing messages on his phone on behalf of the holder of the Abs line - Alistair Renwick. Renwick was jailed for nine years in April while Makey will be sentenced in August. Liam Tomkins, 25, was jailed for three-and-a-half years in his absence after failing to appear at court. 4 A number of drug dealers linked to the "Abs line" have been sentenced Credit: SWNS The arrests are part of a satisfying conclusion to a major operation launched by Lincolnshire Police. In an attempt to crackdown on organised crime, the police unit launched an operation to tackle eight separate drug lines that had brought crack cocaine and heroine into the county's coastal towns. More than 70 people have been arrested since the operation was launched in September 2022 - with a cumulative prison sentence of more than 120 years. Detective Inspector Will Tharby, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: "Drug dealing reaches far beyond those directly involved in the exchange of money for drugs. "Its ripple effects fuel antisocial behaviour, robbery, burglary, and violence-not just among those entrenched in the drug trade, but across entire communities. "Families, neighbours, and local businesses all feel the weight of drug-related crime, facing its disruptive and often devastating consequences. "We've dismantled a thoroughly harmful operation, taken drugs off the streets, and sent a clear message - criminal networks will not thrive in Lincolnshire's communities."
